The event marked a groundbreaking milestone for the Bananas—their first-ever game in an NFL stadium. And if there was any doubt about their ability to fill a venue of that magnitude, it vanished when the gates opened. A sellout crowd of 65,000 fans packed the stands, proving once again that the Bananas’ unique blend of baseball and entertainment is no longer a quirky niche—it’s a nationwide phenomenon.
Raymond James Stadium is best known for hosting Super Bowls, playoff battles, and the legendary Tom Brady era in Tampa. The Buccaneers’ massive pirate ship, which looms over the north end zone, has celebrated countless touchdowns—but on this night, it served as the surreal backdrop for one of the most unconventional baseball games ever played.
Transforming an NFL field into a baseball diamond isn’t easy. But this wasn’t just baseball—it was a full-fledged entertainment extravaganza. From players breakdancing after hits to umpires moonwalking after strike calls, every moment delivered something fans had never seen before. Outfielders made acrobatic, Cirque du Soleil-style catches, and the stadium pulsed with energy from start to finish.
For the uninitiated, the Savannah Bananas don’t play by traditional baseball rules. Their signature Banana Ball format eliminates bunting, prevents batters from stepping out of the box, and imposes a strict two-hour time limit—ensuring non-stop action. The approach has struck a chord with younger audiences, where Major League Baseball has struggled in recent years.
Since their humble beginnings in Savannah, the Bananas have transformed into a full-blown revolution in sports entertainment. Often compared to the Harlem Globetrotters, they have amassed over 10 million social media followers, sell out every game on their World Tour, and challenge how fans experience baseball.
But their biggest test came in Tampa—a city that knows big-time sports. The Buccaneers, Lightning, and Rays have all made championship runs in recent years, and the Bananas aimed to deliver a spectacle worthy of the same energy.
The Bananas delivered an unforgettable show, from the choreographed dance routines to the now-iconic “Banana Baby” tradition—where a toddler is lifted Lion King-style before the game.
If Tampa’s sellout crowd and electric atmosphere were any indication, this won’t be the last time the Bananas take over an NFL stadium. Their World Tour continues to push boundaries, and as demand for their unique brand of baseball skyrockets, bigger venues and even larger audiences may be on the horizon.
With NFL-sized crowds filling baseball games, could the Bananas be the future of baseball entertainment?
This is just the beginning if Tampa’s record-breaking turnout was any sign.
The Bananas have already sold out their next seven games through May. They return home to Grayson Stadium next week and hit the road with some shows at MLB parks through the spring and summer, including Busch Stadium in April and Kauffman Stadium and Angel Stadium in May.
Photo Credit: Savannah Bananas
